float 1 of 2

1
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a canoe floating down the river particles of dust floating in the air

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

float

2 of 2

noun

as in dock
a structure used by boats and ships for taking on or landing cargo and passengers the crew put the cargo on the float before heading back down the river

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of float
Verb
Later on, during 11-on-11 work, Young floated a pass down the field without a receiver in sight. Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025 Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has floated a few options to fast-track nominations, including shortening the amount of debate time or shrinking who counts as a nominee requiring Senate confirmation. Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
The parade, which celebrates Mexican Independence Day and the city’s vibrant Hispanic culture, is expected to feature various floats and groups as well as a public nomination process for grand marshal, according to a news release from the city. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025 There’s a parade at 2 p.m. daily through the Minnesota Fairgrounds, with marching bands and floats. Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for float
Recent Examples of Synonyms for float
Verb
  • Their postseason odds that year were hovering around 20 percent at the time, and the team proceeded to lose the next seven games after the deadline en route to a 73-89 season.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Today, Baker’s market cap is hovering near $45 billion.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • As a port city and cultural crossroads, Marseille feels like a fitting host for an artist whose imagination roamed from the Cycladic isles to the Egyptian tomb.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • During the encore segment, most of the members left the main stage and roamed through the arena aisles, connecting directly with fans in both lower and upper sections.
    Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Police officials will explain how the new police drones can be remotely deployed and piloted toward the scene of an incident from docks placed across the city.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • As the plague spread, the island was converted into a maritime quarantine dock for merchant ships arriving from abroad and for people with symptoms.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Boaters can set out from the property and sail into Vineyard Harbor and the open waters beyond.
    Mary Forgione, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • But that ship had sailed, was sinking, and had the Heat’s season taking on water.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Last year was the deadliest year recorded for children with autism who wandered, and nearly all in that record died from drowning, according to tracking from the association.
    Darcie Moran, USA Today, 29 July 2025
  • Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District.
    Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The base includes six wharves—each approximately 755 feet long—capable of accommodating up to 12 submarines.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Past the Heritage Project buildings the road curves around to the right and down to the ferry wharf.
    Robert Finch June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether visitors are seeking ethical wildlife tours, daredevil adventures like swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls, or aiming to support conservation efforts, Africa offers a depth of experiences that go far beyond the traditional safari game drives.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Video captured by a witness shows the whale swimming under a motorboat; the vessel tips to the side and a person can be seen falling into the water.
    Joe Strupp, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As agencies begin translating priorities into rules and funding decisions, implementation could drift into partisan favoritism.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • After months of wavering support and signs of growing disillusionment, new polling suggests Gen Z voters are beginning to drift back toward the Democratic Party.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Float.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/float. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on float

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!